Teacup

Status

Not on view

Label Text

Floral motifs executed in vibrant overglaze enamel pinks, oranges, and purples of the "famille rose" palette adorn a set of teawares believed to have been owned by Tobias Lear, George Washington's personal secretary and husband of Martha Washington's niece, Frances "Fanny" Dandridge. The decoration exemplifies the rococo style of romantic, florid decoration popular in Europe in the second half of the eighteenth century.

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Date1760-1780

Geography Made - China

Medium/TechniquePorcelain (hard-paste), enamel, gilt

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 2 1/2 in. x 3 3/8 in. x 2 5/16 in. (6.35 cm x 8.57 cm x 5.87 cm)

Credit LineGift of Louise Eyre, 1932

Object numberH-33/G

DescriptionTall, circular teacup with a plain rim, straight sides rounded at bottom, and a C-shaped or ear-shaped handle on a shallow foot ring. The cup is decorated in overglaze polychrome enamels in the famille rose palette and gilt. The front of the bowl, opposite the handle, features a bouquet of roses, chrysanthemums, and other flowers, tied with a ribbon at bottom. Smudges of green enamel appear just to the right of the bouquet. A purple chrysanthemum and a pink rose decorate the remaining two sides. Along the rim exterior is a thin red line with pendant half-flower heads and buds in red and gilt and swags of pink and purple flowers and green foliage.

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